The Devon Group designs and delivers measurable PR programs that enable providers of HR technology solutions and services to build credibility, generate qualified sales leads and stake claims to new markets.

Strategic PR & Communications

Feb 12

Feb 12 Now Trending: #e-commerce, Twitter's New "Express" Shopping

Just months after the Facebook IPO sparked concern for users’ privacy, Twitter and American Express announced a new initiative that is raising eyebrows. The partnership between Twitter and American Express will create a new online shopping platform using Twitter to offer special discounts and deals. American Express members that participate in what’s being called, “Amex Sync,” will be able to purchase featured products by mentioning the proper hash tag. The customer will then receive a follow-up email from American Express allowing 15 minutes to confirm their purchase.

Twitter, heavily reliant on advertising as its main source of revenue nowadays, created the Amex Sync plan as a new source of financing. But what’s the incentive for the consumer to make a purchase off of Twitter when there are so many other e-commerce and special deals sites out there? Facebook tried its hand at a similar concept with “Facebook Gifts” but this has resulted in more of a struggle than a success.